Project Hope Recognizes Navy Contribution

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Kyle P. Malloy, Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs

May 21, 2010 - WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) was the honorary representative for the Navy at the Project Hope Spring Gala in Washington May 20.

President and CEO of Project Hope, John P. Howe, thanked Adm. Gray Roughead, CNO, for the Navy's continued partnership during humanitarian and relief efforts.

"Project Hope recognizes the United States Navy and its exceptional maritime strategy with its emphasis to build trust and improve and safe the lives of millions of children and adults in nations throughout the world through these humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions," said Howe.

CNO spoke about the impact of the Navy, its Sailors, Project Hope, and partnering navies during disaster relief efforts during the Indian Ocean tsunami and more recently, the earthquake in Haiti.

"(The efforts) have paid off in what we have been able to give to people around the world who, in their wildest dreams, never thought that from the sea there would come people who care about them, who care about their families, who care about their future, and care about what we can do if we could join together," said Roughead.

CNO thanked Project Hope for the partnership and friendship that has enabled the two organizations to have such a positive global impact and reinforce the Navy's motto of 'Global Force for Good.'

"We are (a 'Global Force for Good') because of organizations like Project Hope that show the true side of our country, of our people and what we want to see in the world of tomorrow," said Roughead.

Project Hope has partnered with the Navy to help make health care available to communities around the world through a variety of medical initiatives and educational programs. Since 2005, more than 1,000 Project Hope volunteers have participated in 17 humanitarian assistance and health education missions.